Knee Osteoarthritis: How You are Killing Your Knees

Osteoarthritis of the knees

Knee Osteoarthritis is the leading form of Osteoarthritis. With more than 10 million Americans experiencing this pain.  The deterioration of the cartilage in the knee can cause bone to rub against bone. This is less than ideal for one of your most important weight bearing joints.

Your knees are used to walk, kneel, sit, balance, and stand…virtually almost every move you make.  There are many contributing factors for Osteoarthritis of the knee, many of which can be prevented or avoided.

Common Mistakes that May Contribute to Knee Osteoarthritis:

  • Not watching our weight.  Any extra weight that you carry places stress on your knees. Extra pounds can make you arthritis symptoms worse. Obesity is actually one of the non-genetic ways that you can develop the disease. The extra stress on the joints can cause cartilage to wear away.
  • Overexerting yourself.  Although exercise is very important to both weight management and joint flexibility, you do not want to over do it.  You may be trying to lose weight, or are still participating in your favorite sport, but be aware of your body’s limit.  You do not want to over exert yourself.  Gradually add to the intensity or duration of your workout.  You don’t need to go hard from the start.
  • Not resting your knees. Get off your feet, and take a brief hiatus.  Your knees need rest and rehabilitation time after exercise.  And, if you suffer from any injury, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, make sure that you follow your doctor’s advice on recovery time and methods.
  • Ignoring knee pain. Never, in any circumstance, ignore knee pain.  Even what seems like normal aches and pains can mean something bigger.  If any knee pain seems to alter your limits, or affects your normal abilities, than you need to have it evaluated.
  • Ignore knee strength. It is highly recommended to enhance your knee strength by strengthening the muscles around the knee.  Weak muscles can cause susceptibility to knee injury.  Strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings can help flexibility, stability, balance, and strength.